Wat’s the rush with Duncan, says Ross
FIT-AGAIN STRIKER NOT TO BE RISKED IN CATS’ CLASH AT ACCRINGTON
DUNCAN Watmore came through his senior comeback unscathed - but his return to league action will have to wait another week at least.
Sunderland manager Jack Ross has confirmed Watmore suffered no ill-effects following his 65-minute run-out in Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy win over Notts County, the 24-yearold’s first game in more than 12 months after he ruptured his cruciate ligament for the second time in November last year.
Ross is determined to stick to the plan devised for Watmore’s return, which means he will not be involved in a second game in the space of five days when the Black Cats visit Accrington Stanley this weekend.
The forward will instead be part of the squad for Tuesday’s FA Cup second-round replay against Walsall at the Stadiium of
Light and, assuming there are no problems, he could then be considered for the league game at home to Bristol Rovers the following weekend.
Ross said: “Duncan will not be involved on Saturday but that was always the plan.
“He has had no adverse reaction to Tuesday, mentally he feels brilliant, physically he is a bit stiff as you could imagine after so long out.
“The plan was always for him to be involved in that game and then we will look at him potentially for the FA Cup replay - and then we start to build up towards Bristol.
“It has worked out well in terms of the timing of the games. “We had targets and plans in place and we have steadfastly remained true to them - it has worked really well so far and we will keep doing that.” Midfielder Lee Cattermole is back training again after recovering from the foot injury which has kept him out since the end of October - he is another who will not figure at Accrington but could play against Walsall.
Ross said: “Lee Cattermole has trained for two days this week so we are hoping he will be available for Tuesday as well.”
George Honeyman and Chris Maguire are expected to be part of the squad which travels to Lancashire after resuming training this week.
Maguire pulled out of the original FA Cup meeting with Walsall last weekend after aggravating a rib injury in the warm-up and also missed the midweek game against Notts County.
Honeyman has also missed the last two games with an ankle knock.
We will look at him potentially for the FA Cup replay and then we start to build up towards Bristol Rovers Jack Ross